Is this news for real, or is it just another of Ryanair's PR stunts?

Talking about new proposals for the low-cost airline, Ryanair's chief executive, Michael O'Leary, said: "We've been looking at... taking out the last 10 rows of seats so we will have 15 rows of seats and the equivalent of 10 rows of standing area."

According to a Ryanair spokesman Boeing has been consulted over fitting out Ryanair's fleet with "vertical seats" that allow passengers to buckle up whilst standing up. The standing-room only seats would cost between £4 and £8 per person.

The Daily Telegraph reports that the Civil Aviation Authority says the plans would struggle to meet safety requirements. A spokesperson said: "It's aviation law that people have to have a seat-belt on from take-off and landing so they would have to be in a seat. I don't know how Mr O'Leary would get around that one. During turbulence passengers also have to have a seat-belt on."

Again, O'Leary stated that Ryanair intends to introduce coin-operated loos, or "toilet tax" as the move it is being dubbed.

(Relaxnews)

A new mobile service called ArrivedOK is being launched for airplane travelers that will automatically inform family and friends of safe touch-down without the need to text and without the cost of international roaming fees.

The service works like this: you enter details indicating the airport of destination, the hour of arrival and the telephone number or email address on Arrivedok.mobi of the people you want to inform of your arrival, and the service sends them a pre-composed message or "Arrived ok" once you turn on your phone again upon landing.

Using a system that tracks the user's cell phone in the mobile network of the destination, the message alert is able to confirm when you arrive exactly, or to avoid sending a message if, for example, a flight has been rerouted or cancelled.

ArrivedOK works via SMS, Twitter, email or blog, and will eventually cost €0.50 per message, according to the company site.

Started up by US-based IT travel communications company, Eyeline Communications, the service is being tested in beta version until May 31, 2009 across Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Japan, Russia, South Africa and Spain.

For more information, please see arrivedok.mobi/beta

Malaysian low-cost carrier, AirAsia, is offering ten people the chance to become a pilot, and no experience is required.

Wannabe aviators must prove themselves via the AirAsia blog from 1 April 2009 to 15 May 2009. Tell the airline why you deserve this opportunity and you could win the chance to fulfil your fantasies of flying.

AirAsia has put together a spoof video to inspire candidates, which can be viewed here:

Applicants must meet the requirements of basic entry as per the Department of Civil Aviation and AirAsia standards for pilot acceptance. These, along with specific entry details, can be viewed online here.

Good luck and happy flying!